KTC Warns of Online Accommodation Scams Urges Consumers to Check Payment Details Before Entering OTPs

KTC, or Krungthai Card Public Company Limited, is urging consumers to remain vigilant as fraudsters increasingly use online accommodation bookings and payment channels to deceive victims. These scams typically begin by building trust, creating a sense of urgency, and leading consumers to make payments or disclose payment information, which may later be used for unauthorized transactions.
Mr. Rywin Voravongsatit, President of the Credit Card Fraud Prevention Club and Head of Operations Control & Merchant Operations at KTC, said fraudsters no longer rely solely on fake social media pages or counterfeit websites. Instead, they have developed more systematic schemes that begin with credibility-building, move quickly to pressure tactics, and ultimately lead victims to make payments or provide sensitive payment information. The scam process can generally be divided into three key stages:
Step 1: Building Trust

Thursday 23 July 2026 13:49
KTC Warns of Online Accommodation Scams Urges Consumers to Check Payment Details Before Entering OTPs

Fraudsters create fake social media pages, fraudulent websites, or fictitious hotel listings on accommodation booking platforms. They use the names, photographs, logos, and details of legitimate hotels and businesses to make their schemes appear credible. In some cases, they also fabricate customer reviews or offer unusually low prices to persuade consumers to make reservations.

Step 2: Creating a Sense of Urgency

Once consumers show interest, fraudsters pressure them into making quick decisions by claiming that only a few rooms remain available, promotions are about to expire, special rates are available for a limited time, or immediate confirmation is required. These tactics are designed to make consumers act quickly and skip important verification steps.

Step 3: Making Victims Pay or Disclose Payment Information

After consumers decide to proceed, fraudsters may send fake payment links, instruct them to transfer money to accounts unrelated to the legitimate hotel or service provider, or trick them into entering card details, payment information, and OTPs. Such information may then be used to carry out unauthorized transactions.

Mr. Rywin said the most critical moment for consumers is when they feel pressured to make an immediate decision. Fraudsters often exploit attractive prices, promotional offers, or time limits to make victims overlook key warning signs.

Before authorizing any transaction, consumers should carefully check whether the merchant name, transaction amount, and currency shown in the One-Time Password (OTP) notification match the transaction they intend to make. If any information does not match, consumers should not enter the OTP and should immediately stop the transaction.

KTC recommends five ways to protect against online scams:

  1. Verify the credibility of the social media page, website, hotel, or booking platform through multiple sources. Consumers should also check the property's name, address, location, and telephone number before making a reservation.
  2. Always check the website name and URL before entering card information. Consumers should access the service provider's website or mobile application directly, instead of clicking links received through chat messages, text messages, or emails from unverified sources.
  3. Never disclose card information or OTPs to anyone. Consumers should also verify that the merchant name, transaction amount, and currency shown in the OTP notification match the intended transaction before entering the OTP.
  4. Enable transaction notifications through their financial institution's mobile application and regularly review card transactions.
  5. Report any suspicious transaction immediately to their financial institution so the card can be blocked promptly, the transaction can be investigated, and potential losses can be minimized.

Mr. Rywin concluded, "Fraudsters may continue to adapt their tactics as circumstances change, but consumers can protect themselves by avoiding rushed decisions and carefully verifying all details before making payments or providing payment information. Taking a few extra moments to check the details before completing a payment can help prevent unnecessary financial losses."